Melbourne stalwart Society has won top honours at the 33rd Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards presented at NSW Parliament House Sydney.
Society won Australia’s Wine List of the Year along with Australia’s Best Capital City Dining Wine List, Best Wine List Victoria and Australia’s Best List of Wines by the Glass.
The venue was also a finalist in another three categories: Australia’s Best Listing of Victorian Wines, Australia’s Best Listing of New Zealand Wines and Australia’s Best Listing of Cellared and Museum Wines.
Society’s head sommeliers Loïc Avril and Yuki Hirose MS and sommelier Lee Sangyeop were awarded the Judy Hirst Award, presented to the sommeliers responsible for the winning list.
Perth’s Gibney won Best Wine List WA, Australia’s Best Digestif List and The Peter Forrestal Award for Australia’s Best Listing of Western Australian Wines.
Gibney was also a finalist for four categories including the major title of Australia’s Wine List of the Year 2026 with judges noting the list’s depth and balance of well-known and up-and-coming producers.
Sydney’s Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La also took home three titles with judges praising the comprehensive list that also highlights some “left-of-centre” options for those looking to explore.
This year’s state and territory stand-outs included The Boat House (Best Wine List ACT); Shell House Dining Room & Terrace (Best Wine List NSW); Otto Brisbane (Best Wine List QLD); 2KW Bar + Restaurant (Best Wine List SA); and Black Cow Bistro (Best Wine List TAS).
It’s the first time Shell House Dining Room & Terrace and 2KW Bar + Restaurant have taken out these major category wins.
Society’s winning list was praised by chair of judges Toni Paterson MW for its impressive range and versatile offering to cater for those looking for something familiar or new.
“This ranks among Australia’s and the world’s great wine lists, exceptional in its vintage depth and curation and broad in both local and international scope,” she said.
“At heart, it’s a celebration of quality in all its forms.
“There are close to 90 wines by the glass, ranging from well-priced Australian favourites like MMAD Vineyard Chenin through premium local Chardonnay from By Farr and Tolpuddle to icon reds including Mount Mary Pinot, The Armagh and Grange poured from magnums.
“Rarities from further afield, including the likes of Benjamin Leroux 1er Cru Meursault or Domaine de la Pousse d’Or Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses, are available as a taste, half-pour or glass.”
Society, operated by the Lucas Group, opened in 2021 and first entered Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards in 2023 when it won Australia’s Best Listing of French Wines.
Since then, it has continued to build its reputation by taking out the same category in 2024, and for the third year in a row in 2025 alongside Australia’s Best Listing of Museum & Rare Wines and Australia’s Best Digestif List.
It’s the third year in a row that a Victorian venue has won the coveted title, with Circl taking out the win last year and Gimlet at Cavendish House in 2024.
Chair of judges Toni Paterson MW said, “Despite recent challenges, our restaurant sector has great energy, with fabulous wine and beverage lists compiled by confident, knowledgeable sommeliers.
“The best lists are showing greater support for Australian wines, including those from their home state, which is heartening, especially when local wines represent excellent value, are better than ever, and offer great style and varietal diversity.
“This year has seen the rise of Grenache, mini-cocktails, chilled reds and small pours by the glass, the latter encouraging experimentation while staying mindful of cost.
“The international offering is incredibly varied, allowing people to explore the world of wine without leaving our shores.
“We have also seen a wider range of cuisines and menu formats, with share plates increasingly popular.”
Eight venues were added to the Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards – Hall of Fame.
To be applicable, venues must have won Australia’s Wine List of the Year once or a State/Territory or Australian category Award three times while also maintaining their glass rating each year.
Among the new inductees for 2026 were Circl (Australia’s Wine List of the Year); Agnes (Best Listing of Queensland Wines 2023, 2024, 2025); Fico (Best Listing of Tasmanian Wines 2021, 2022, 2025); Settlers Tavern (Best Country Restaurant 2022, 2023, 2025); Woodcut (Best Hotel List 2023, 2024, 2025); Society (Best Listing of French Wines 2023, 2024, 2025); Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant (Best Listing of South Australian Wines 2017, 2021, 2025).
Amanda Yallop of Fink Group was also added to the Hall of Fame.
This prestigious award is presented periodically to recognise an outstanding individual and their contribution to industry education, the service of fine wine and the standard of wine lists within the Australian hospitality and tourism industries over recent times.
She is only the third individual in 33 years to receive this honour and joins David Lawler (2018) and Franck Moreau MS (2014).
Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards was established in 1993 by Rob Hirst OAM and his late wife, Judy, after whom the main award is named, together with Tucker Seabrook.
Hirst said, “It is wonderful to see the outstanding level of support for the Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards again this year and the recognition that they deliver to those in the industry continuing to pursue excellence with the list they present to their customers.
“The quality of wine lists across the country has never been better.
“These awards are about the recognition and celebration of the outstanding commitment, work and investment of the sommeliers, owners, beverage directors, venue managers and entrepreneurs who make Australia’s hospitality industry one of the best in the world.”
This year, Toni Paterson MW, herself a fourteen-year judge of the awards and immediate past deputy chair, has led the judging panel as the awards chair of judges.
It follows Peter Forrestal stepping down as chair of judges and assuming the role as emeritus chair after 33 years as a judge – and 23 as chair– of judges of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards.
Jeni Port continued as the deputy chair and Brian Julyan, MS president and founder of the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe, also continued as international chair.
Photograph: From left, Yuki Hirose MS, Lee Sangyeop and Loic Avril.